Expands In Kandy

Odel is expanding its retail clothing store in Kandy while opening up another in the hill capital in time for Christmas, its CEO Ms. Otara Gunewardene told this reporter on Wednesday.
She said that this year was good for the company with sales recording a double digit growth, with the momentum expected to be continued through to the remainder of the year. Her clientele comprises a mix of local and foreign.
On the recently passed Takeover Bill and the possible threat that that might pose to her flagship store in Colombo bordering Ward Place which is on state property?
Gunewardene in reply said that her store was on private property and not on government property.
The reason for recruiting an American as her company’s Director Operations? She said that it was because his eye for visual, display and layout were good. “Those are important for my trade,” she said.
He is also giving valuable insights to my staff, who, otherwise would have had to be sent overseas for training which is not feasible, Gunewardene said.
She also said that they are looking to go overseas, possibly to India. Previously the company expanded into Singapore, but had to withdraw, due to the 2008 Great Recession.
Whilst interviewing her at her flagship store, one of her former employees now domiciled in Canada and who was on a visit here, congratulated her on her store.
Meanwhile Odel which comes out with a different theme each Christmas; has selected as its theme for this season, “Live, Love, Laugh,” complemented by “Las Vegas” type of lighting at Gunewardene’s flagship store in Colombo.